Following a recent external audit conducted by DQS Global, an inspection company focused on certification and assessment, from Feb. 9–12, 2026, Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) has been recommended for continuing certification maintenance of the ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS) standard.
The audit evaluated TYAD’s conformance to ISO 14001:2015 requirements, applicable internal and external obligations, and the overall effectiveness of the depot’s environmental management system. Conducted on a sampling basis, the assessment reviewed documentation, records, processes and operational activities associated with the depot’s broad mission set, including repair, overhaul, integration, fabrication, and logistics support of communications-electronics systems and industrial processes.
Based on the results of the audit, the audit team recommended continuing certification maintenance, pending completion of corrective actions identified during the review. The recommendation now advances to the DQS independent certification committee for final review.
The audit team highlighted several strengths across TYAD’s Environmental Branch. Auditors noted the team’s high level of technical knowledge and active management of environmental programs, including solid waste, restoration, hazardous waste, air quality, hazardous materials, water and wastewater, energy management, storage tanks and National Environmental Policy Act compliance.
TYAD was also recognized for its strong commitment to environmental stewardship, demonstrated through consistent support to operational teams in meeting regulatory requirements and aligning with ISO 14001 standards and policy. Additionally, the depot’s Fire and Emergency Response program earned praise for its capabilities and mutual aid agreements, providing leadership both internally and with local emergency planning partners.
While the audit identified areas for improvement, including enhancements to management-of-change processes, operational controls and verification practices, these findings represent opportunities to further strengthen an already effective system. Depot leadership and environmental professionals will proactively address these items to ensure continued compliance and sustained excellence.
Environmental Protection Specialist Matt Argust emphasized the value of maintaining a strong Environmental Management System.
“The EMS is a crucial framework for any organization seeking to operate in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner,” said Argust. “It provides a structured approach to managing environmental aspects, fulfilling compliance obligations, and addressing risks and opportunities. Implementing an EMS is not just about regulatory compliance but going beyond that compliance; it's a strategic business decision with far-reaching benefits.”
Argust also noted the competitive and economic advantages of sustaining an EMS.
“Maintaining an EMS has economic advantages such as improved resource efficiency and cost savings which allows TYAD to keep a competitive edge in both the public and private sectors of our business. This is in addition to increasing our corporate reputation with customers and the community as a center of environmental excellence, not just electronics excellence.”
Chief of TYAD’s Environmental Branch David Ecklund said that the installation’s continued ISO 14001 excellence is a reflection of the hard work performed at the depot every single day.
“The auditor was repeatedly impressed by the quality demonstrated at TYAD, and while there were two minor nonconformances, that is still excellent for an installation of our size,” said Ecklund. “This is a reflection of the work we do and continue to do at TYAD and we should all be proud of the results. Continuous improvement permeates everything we do at TYAD and this simply reinforces it.”
The next ISO 14001 reassessment audit is scheduled for 2027.
Through continuous improvement and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, TYAD remains dedicated to protecting natural resources while ensuring readiness in support of the warfighter.
Maintaining a strong EMS is a key tenet of TOBY2035, TYAD’s long-range strategic plan. The plan, which has four focus areas – Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications, aims to posture the depot to meet the future needs of the joint warfighter on a multidomain battlefield.
Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) is designated as the Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR), electronics, avionics, and missile guidance and control. TYAD provides cradle-to-grave lifecycle support through depot-level repair, systems integration, software and cyber engineering, and field support. A key enabler of operational readiness for Joint and Allied Forces globally, TYAD leverages new and emerging technologies to further expand the Department of Defense’s organic capabilities for microelectronics, secure communications infrastructure, unmanned aerial systems, Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), and the Army’s Next Generation Combat Systems (NGC2). TYAD’s ability to rapidly surge production, deploy field support teams, and scale for contingency or theater-level operations makes it a vital contributor to strategic readiness and operational reach.
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